Reserve a Picnic Shelter

Availability:

In Person

Looking for an outdoor space to hold a family function or small event? Henrico Recreation & Parks has many picnic shelters available to reserve! If you’re hoping to host an event with central air and seats, consider a recreation facility.

Requests can be made online or in person at our recreation centers. Shelters not available for rent (or not reserved) are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.

Overview:

Shelters are covered, open-sided structures with picnic tables, benches, charcoal grills, and some electrical outlets.
Standard capacity: 50 people (Osborne Park Shelter #1 seats 75).
Large groups should consider Deep Run or Dorey, which have shelters grouped together.
Reservations accepted 1 year in advance up to 3 days before the date.
Within 3 days: shelters are first-come, first-served.
Read through the Picnic Shelter Reservation Guide linked at the bottom of this page.

Parks with Shelters:

Shelters only available January through July:

Laurel Recreation Area
Vawter Street/Glen Lea Recreation
Virginia Randolph Recreation Area
Short Pump Park (Shelter closest to the athletic fields)

Reservation Fees

$25 for 9am-2pm OR 3pm-dusk*
$50 for all day: 9am-dusk*

*Parks close at dusk, which may affect the ending time of your reservation.

How to Reserve

Identification must be provided when submitting a shelter reservation. The payer’s name and address on the identification must match the information submitted on their shelter reservation form.

ID Requirements:

Individuals:

DMV-issued photo ID (address must match reservation form).
If the ID doesn’t show current address, include a DMV change-of-address card or voter registration card.

Organizations:

Provide a business card, letterhead, check with the organization’s info, or Henrico business license. *Organizations must reserve in person.

Online

Visit connect.henricorecandparks.com to create an account and request a reservation.

In-Person

Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm at the following locations:

Note: In person reservations made less than 30 days before the event require exact cash or card payment.

Additional Information

When reserving a picnic shelter, you have agreed to assume the responsibility of having all members of your group adhere to Henrico County Ordinance Chapter 14 and the Picnic Shelter Reservation Guide. (Linked at the bottom of this page. See “Rules for Usage” for detailed information on what you may bring to a shelter.)
You’ll receive an approved shelter permit and receipt — bring these with you.
Reservation signs with details will be posted at the shelter.
Review your permit and contact us with any discrepancies.

Refunds & Changes

Submit written requests by email to: [email protected]
Changes or cancellations: at least 3 business days beforehand, OR within 7 days after inclement weather.
Refunds for weather are issued after the reservation date has passed.
Refunds are paid by check within 30 days (online processing fees are non-refundable).
No changes allowed for reservations made less than 3 days in advance.

Inclement weather includes severe rain, flooding, wind/tornado warnings, snow, or ice — not normal seasonal heat, humidity, or air quality issues.

Park closings will be announced on the Inclement Weather Hotline: 804-501-5132, the Division’s website, and HCTV Comcast channel 17 and Verizon channel 39.